Mamie Lee Parker Odems

On April 6th, 2025, we said goodbye to a cherished soul—our beloved matriarch, a devoted mother, doting grandmother, treasured friend, and so much more.

Mamie Parker Odems was born on August 16th, 1943, to her adoring parents, Willie and Katie Lee Evans, in Claybrooke, Arkansas. As the second eldest of her late mother’s thirteen children, she quickly became the steady foundation of her family.

Faith was the bedrock of Mamie’s life. A devout Christian, she was actively involved in several fellowships throughout her life. In her later years, she found her spiritual home at Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church, where she served on the Mothers’ Board, Usher Board, Jr. Usher Board, Mission Committee, and Hospitality Committee.

Whether it was a handmade quilt or a gift basket filled with necessities and goodies, Mamie gave from a loving heart as a testament to who she was and as a blessing to others in service of God.

In 1988, Mamie married the love of her life, Albert “Sonny” Odems. Over their 36 beautiful years together, they raised a family rooted in love and faith. Together, they raised three children: Wendy Parker, Virgil Parker (Hazel), and Mickale Odems (Lauren), each a reflection of Mamie’s boundless care. She also embraced four long-term foster children into her heart and home: Damykis Dunson, Marquan Dunson, Ricky Hughes, and Ricardo Hughes—forming enduring bonds that she carried in her heart always.

Her pride and joy were her grandchildren: Adrian Parker, Kelsey Parker Bryant (Aaron), Tijuan Porter, Jasmine Parker-Smith (James), Tony Parker, Mickale Odems Jr., Amiyah Miller, Ceyonna Odems, Saidee Odems, Sophia Hernandez, Brayden Cashman, and Markale Odems—each of whom she cherished deeply. She shared an exceptional bond with her granddaughters Kelsey and Jasmine. Their relationship was filled with comfort, warmth, and so much laughter. Mamie never missed an opportunity to show her grandchildren just how much they were loved, and that same unconditional love was extended to her great-grandchildren.

Though we grieve her absence, we find solace in knowing Mamie is now reunited with her beloved granddaughter, Kelsey.

Mamie was a woman of strength and many gifts, none more cherished than her ability to nurture others. Her kitchen was a sacred space, where meals became acts of love—an expression of tradition, togetherness, and care. Every dish told a story, and every gathering she touched was made more joyful by her presence.

She touched the lives of countless families and children through her home daycare, where she nurtured generations with boundless tenderness and patience. Her home became a sanctuary not just for her own, but also for families whose lives were forever changed by her love.

Mamie’s passing leaves a profound void, but her legacy is everlasting. Her kindness, selflessness, and strength live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Albert Odems, as well as her devoted children and grandchildren. She also leaves behind her siblings: Lawrence Evans (Dorothy), Dianne “Renee” Brewington (Paul), Minnetta Blue, Latonia “Michelle” Jones, Mary Emma Evans, and Valencia Evans, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Mamie was preceded in death by her parents, Katie and Willie Evans; her siblings, Willie Jr., Carl Evans, Carrol Evans, Lillian Moore, Joanne Moore, Fred Moore, and Stanley Evans; and her precious granddaughter, Kelsey Parker Bryant.

Mamie’s impact was immeasurable. Though we mourn her deeply, we also honor the extraordinary life she lived—a life filled with love, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. She was the heart of our family, a pillar of strength, and a light to all who knew her. Her love will guide us always.

Rest in peace, dear Mamie.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Cleveland Avenue Baptist Church, 2853 Cleveland Ave., Kansas City, MO 64128. The visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, with services following at 11:00 AM.

Interment: Floral Hills East